JP2008257061A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a display screen from being damaged or stained. <P>SOLUTION: The display screen 51A of a main body part 51 of an input/output display 22 which displays an image and detects light corresponding to external input and can perform input to a plurality of points on the display screen 51A is covered with a protective member 52 on a transparent sheet. For example, the present invention is applicable to a mobile phone having an input/output display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly to a display device having an input / output unit that performs image display and detection of light corresponding to external input.

  As a panel that can output information about points on the panel for multiple points, for example, a liquid crystal display device has a built-in photosensor, and light input from the outside can be detected by the photosensor. A display panel (hereinafter also referred to as an input / output panel) has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the input / output panel, the method of detecting input by light can be broadly divided into a method in which a user operates an object (for example, a pen) having an external light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and such an external device. The input operation is performed with a finger or pen that does not have a light source, and the light emitted by the liquid crystal display device, that is, the transmitted light of the backlight of the liquid crystal display device is reflected by the finger or pen approaching the display screen of the liquid crystal display device. There is a method in which light returning to the inside of the liquid crystal display device is detected by an optical sensor.

  In addition, in an electrostatic or pressure-sensitive touch panel, point information that is information on a point on the touch panel where the input has been made (for example, the coordinates of the point) is output. The point information can be output only for one point.

  That is, for example, even when the user touches two points on the touch panel, one of the two points on the touch panel, such as the point with the stronger pressure or the point touched first, is selected. Point information is output only for points.

  On the other hand, the input / output panel can output point information of a plurality of points, and is expected to be applied to applications such as products to which a conventional touch panel is applied in the future.

JP 2004-127272 A

  The display screen of the input / output panel is a light receiving surface that displays an image and receives light incident from the outside. Therefore, if the display screen is damaged or becomes dirty due to dust, dirt, etc., not only the visibility but also the light receiving sensitivity is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is intended to prevent damage and contamination of the display screen.

  A display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an input / output unit that performs image display and detection of light corresponding to input from the outside, and can input a plurality of points on the display screen of the input / output unit. In the display device, the display screen is covered with a transparent or translucent sheet-like protective member.

  The surface of the protective member can be processed to have a predetermined concave or convex shape.

  The surface of the protective member can be processed to have a concave or convex shape corresponding to the operation portion displayed on the display screen.

  The protective member can be colored.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the display device includes an input / output unit that displays an image and detects light corresponding to an input from the outside, and is capable of inputting to a plurality of points on the display screen of the input / output unit. The display screen is covered with a transparent or translucent sheet-like protective member.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent damage and dirt on a display screen of a display device having an input / output unit that performs display of an image and detection of light corresponding to input from the outside. And deterioration of light receiving sensitivity can be prevented.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between the constituent elements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the specification or the drawings are exemplified as follows. This description is intended to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the specification or the drawings. Therefore, even if there is an embodiment which is described in the specification or the drawings but is not described here as an embodiment corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention, that is not the case. It does not mean that the form does not correspond to the constituent requirements. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. It's not something to do.

  A display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an input / output unit (for example, the input / output display 22 in FIG. 1) that performs display of an image and detection of light corresponding to input from the outside. A display device capable of inputting to a plurality of points on the screen, wherein the display screen (for example, the display screen 51A in FIG. 2) is a transparent or translucent sheet-like protective member (for example, the protective member 52 in FIG. 2). 15, the protective member 231 in FIG. 16, or the protective member 261 in FIG. 16.

  Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a display system to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, a display system 1 constitutes, for example, a mobile phone or a TV (Television) receiver.

  The display system 1 includes an antenna 10, a signal processing unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, an operation unit 14, a communication unit 15, and an input / output panel 16.

  The signal processing unit 11 demodulates a broadcast wave of a television broadcast such as a ground wave or a satellite wave received by the antenna 10 and supplies image data and audio data obtained as a result to the control unit 12.

  The control unit 12 performs various processes based on operation signals corresponding to user operations supplied from the operation unit 14, and supplies data to be temporarily stored in the process to the storage unit 13. Further, the control unit 12 supplies the image data supplied from the signal processing unit 11 to the input / output panel 16. Further, the control unit 12 supplies image data to the input / output display 22 of the input / output panel 16 as needed based on target and event information described later supplied from the input / output panel 16. Display control such as changing the display state of the input / output display 22 is performed.

  The storage unit 13 is composed of, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 13 temporarily stores data supplied from the control unit 12.

  The operation unit 14 includes, for example, a numeric keypad and a keyboard. When operated by the user, the operation unit 14 generates an operation signal corresponding to the operation and supplies the operation signal to the control unit 12.

  For example, the communication unit 15 communicates with a radio station (not shown) using radio waves.

  The input / output panel 16 displays an image corresponding to the image data supplied from the control unit 12 on the input / output display 22 and inputs to one or more points detected from the light reception signal output from the input / output display 22. By performing integration processing and recognition processing described later on the information, target and event information is generated and supplied to the control unit 12.

  That is, the input / output panel 16 includes a display signal processing unit 21, an input / output display 22, a received light signal processing unit 23, an image processing unit 24, and a generation unit 25.

  The display signal processing unit 21 performs processing for displaying the image data supplied from the control unit 12 on the input / output display 22 and supplies the resulting image data to the input / output display 22.

  The input / output display 22 displays an image and detects light corresponding to an input from the outside. That is, the input / output display 22 displays an image corresponding to the image data supplied from the display signal processing unit 21 on its display screen. The input / output display 22 includes, for example, a plurality of optical sensors 22A arranged so as to be distributed over the entire display screen, receives light incident from the outside, and receives a light reception signal corresponding to the amount of light received. It is generated and supplied to the received light signal processing unit 23.

  The light reception signal processing unit 23 performs predetermined processing on the light reception signal supplied from the input / output display 22 so that the user's finger or the like approaches or touches the display screen of the input / output display 22. Images having different brightness between the existing portion and the portion where nothing is in proximity or in contact are obtained for each frame and supplied to the image processing unit 24.

  The image processing unit 24 performs image processing such as binarization, noise removal, and labeling on the image of each frame supplied from the light reception signal processing unit 23, thereby providing a finger or the like on the display screen of the input / output display 22. The part (area) where the object is in close proximity or in contact is detected as an input part that has been input from the outside, and the information of the input part, for example, the point on the display screen that represents the input part. Point information relating to points on the display screen where the representative coordinates or the like as coordinates are input, that is, point information of the input portion, is obtained and supplied to the generation unit 25.

  The generating unit 25 generates target information by performing integration processing described later on the point information of the input portion supplied from the image processing unit 24. Furthermore, the generation unit 25 generates event information indicating a change in the state of the target by performing a recognition process described later based on the target information. Even in the integration process, information on some events is generated.

  That is, the generation unit 25 includes a target generation unit 31, an event generation unit 32, and a storage unit 33. The generation unit 25 generates target and event information for each frame and supplies the information to the control unit 12.

  The input / output display 22 can be input by, for example, bringing a finger or the like close to or touching the display screen. A series of inputs to the input / output display 22 is a target. That is, for example, when the finger approaches or comes into contact with the display screen of the input / output display 22, the finger moves while the proximity or contact is maintained, and the approach and contact of the finger are released. A series of inputs to the display screen of the output display 22 is a target.

  The event represents a change in the state of the target. For example, the event indicates that the target position has moved, the target has newly appeared (generated), the target has disappeared (deleted), or the like. .

  The target generation unit 31 of the generation unit 25 performs integration processing on the point information of the input portion for each frame supplied from the image processing unit 24, so that the temporal or spatial position of the input portion input from the outside is obtained. Based on the relationship, target information representing a series of inputs is generated and supplied to the storage unit 33.

  Now, assuming that the point information of the input portion supplied from the image processing unit 24 to the target generation unit 31 is the point information of the (t + 1) th frame at time t + 1, the target generation unit 31 The point information of the input part of the frame is compared with the target information of the t-th frame at time t, which is the immediately preceding frame that is closely related in time.

  Assuming that a target having a t-th frame is focused as a target of interest, the target generating unit 31 uses an input portion having a spatially close relationship with respect to the target of interest as the target of interest in the t + 1-th frame. As an input part constituting a part of a series of inputs, the target target is integrated.

  In addition, the target generation unit 31 determines that the series of inputs as the target of interest has ended when the input portion that is spatially close to the target of interest does not exist in the t + 1th frame, Is deleted.

  Further, the target generation unit 31 generates a new target for the input portion of the (t + 1) th frame remaining without being integrated with the target, assuming that a series of inputs as a target is started. Then, the target generation unit 31 supplies the integrated target information and the newly generated target information to the storage unit 33 as target information of the (t + 1) th frame.

  The event generation unit 32 appropriately generates event information representing a change in the target state based on the target information, and supplies the event information to the storage unit 33. In other words, for example, the event generation unit 32 may receive information on the targets of the t-th frame and the t + 1-th frame, or, if necessary, events issued before the t-th frame stored in the storage unit 33. Based on the information and the like, an event representing a change in the state of the target is recognized. Then, the event generation unit 32 issues an event for generating event information indicating the content of the recognized event, and supplies the event information to the storage unit 33 as event information of the (t + 1) th frame.

  In addition, the event generation unit 32 reads the target and event information of the (t + 1) th frame from the storage unit 33 and supplies (outputs) the information to the control unit 12.

  The storage unit 33 stores target information supplied from the target generation unit 31 and event information supplied from the event generation unit 32.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an external configuration of the input / output display 22. A display screen 51A for displaying an image of the main body 51 of the input / output display 22 and receiving light incident from the outside is covered with a sheet-like protective member 52 for preventing damage and dirt.

  The protective member 52 is made of a thin plate made of a transparent material that is light and resistant to scratches and dirt, has excellent durability, and is easy to process, such as acrylic resin. In this case, the protection member 52 is fixed to the display screen 51A so as to cover the display screen 51A with a screw or the like, or is covered with cellophane tape, an adhesive, or the like so as to cover the display screen 51A.

  Further, for example, the surface of the protective member 52 that contacts the display screen 51A (hereinafter also referred to as the back surface) is made of a light and adhesive transparent material such as a silicon film made of silicon resin, and is the surface opposite to the back surface. (Hereinafter also referred to as the surface) is made of a transparent material such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) that is light, resistant to scratches and dirt, and excellent in durability. In this case, the protection member 52 is bonded to the display screen 51A so as to cover the display screen 51A.

  Since the protection member 52 is made of a transparent material, the visibility of the input / output display 22 and the light receiving sensitivity are not reduced. The display screen 51A of the input / output display 22 is frequently touched by a user's finger, pen, or the like, but the protective member 52 prevents the display screen 51A from being damaged or soiled, and the visibility and light receiving sensitivity of the display screen 51A. Is prevented.

  In addition, when the user tries to contact the display screen 51A with a finger or the like, as a result, the user touches the protective member 52. However, in order to make the explanation easier to understand, the finger or the like is contacted with the display screen 51A. I will let you.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a laminated structure of the main body 51 of the input / output display 22.

  The main body 51 of the input / output display 22 has a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) substrate 61 and a counter electrode substrate 62, which are two transparent substrates made of glass or the like, arranged opposite to each other, and, for example, twisted in the gap. The liquid crystal layer 63 encapsulating nematic (TN) liquid crystal is provided.

  On the liquid crystal layer 63 side of the TFT substrate 61, an electrode layer 64 including a thin film transistor (TFT) as a switching element, a pixel electrode, and an insulating layer for insulating and separating them is formed. A counter electrode 65 and a color filter 66 are formed on the liquid crystal layer 63 side of the counter electrode substrate 62. The TFT substrate 61, the counter electrode substrate 62, the liquid crystal layer 63, the electrode layer 64, the counter electrode 65, and the color filter 66 constitute a transmissive liquid crystal display panel. Further, polarizing plates 67 and 68 are provided on the opposite side of the TFT substrate 61 and the counter electrode substrate 62 from the liquid crystal layer 63 side, respectively.

  Further, a protective member 52 is provided so as to cover the surface of the polarizing plate 68 opposite to the counter electrode substrate 62 side.

  A backlight 69 is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display panel. A color image can be displayed by illuminating the liquid crystal display panel from the back side with the backlight 69. The backlight 69 can have a configuration in which light sources such as a plurality of fluorescent tubes and a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged, for example. It is desirable that the backlight 69 can be turned on / off at a relatively high speed.

  Furthermore, a plurality of photosensors 22A are formed on the electrode layer 64 as light receiving elements. By arranging the optical sensor 22A adjacent to each light emitting element constituting the liquid crystal display, light emission (image display) and light reception (reading) can be performed in parallel.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of drivers that control the operation of the input / output display 22.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a transparent display area (sensor area) 81 is arranged in the center of the input / output display 22, and a display horizontal driver 82 and a display vertical driver 83 are arranged on four end faces of the display area 81. A sensor vertical driver 84 and a sensor reading horizontal driver 85 are arranged.

  The display horizontal driver 82 and the display vertical driver 83 are arranged in a matrix in the display area 81 based on a display signal and a control clock supplied as image data for display via the image signal line 86. Drive the pixel.

  The sensor vertical driver 84 and the sensor readout horizontal driver 85 synchronize with the readout clock (not shown) supplied from the outside, the received light signal read from the light receiving sensor 22A via the received light signal line 87. , And supplied to the received light signal processing unit 23 in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration for each pixel of the pixels arranged in the display area 81 of the input / output display 22. The pixel 101 in FIG. 5 includes an optical sensor 22A formed of a thin film transistor (TFT), a switching element 111, a pixel electrode 112, a reset switch 113, a capacitor 114, a buffer amplifier 115, and a switch 116. Among them, the switching element 111 and the pixel electrode 112 constitute a display unit that realizes a display function, and the optical sensor 22A, the reset switch 113, the capacitor 114, the buffer amplifier 115, and the switch 116 are light receiving units that realize a light receiving function. Configure.

  The switching element 111 has a gate connected to a gate line 121 extending in the horizontal direction and a drain connected to a display signal line 122 extending in the vertical direction. That is, the switching element 111 is arranged at the intersection of the gate line 121 and the display signal line 122. A source of the switching element 111 is connected to one end of the pixel electrode 112. One end of the pixel electrode 112, which is different from one end connected to the source of the switching element 111, is connected to the wiring 123.

  The switching element 111 is controlled to be turned on or off by a signal supplied through the gate line 121, and a display state at the pixel electrode 112 is set by a signal supplied through the display signal line 122.

  The photosensor 22A is disposed at a position adjacent to the pixel electrode 112, one end of which is connected to the power supply line 124 to which the power supply voltage VDD is supplied, and the other end is connected to one end of the reset switch 113, one end of the capacitor 114, and Are connected to the input terminals of the buffer amplifier 115. One end of the reset switch 113 that is different from one end connected to one end of the optical sensor 22A and one end of the capacitor 114 that is different from one end connected to one end of the optical sensor 22A Is connected to the ground terminal VSS. The output terminal of the buffer amplifier 115 is connected to the sensor signal line 125 via the readout switch 116.

  On / off of the reset switch 113 is controlled by a signal supplied from the reset line 126. On / off of the read switch 116 is controlled by a signal supplied from the read line 127.

  The operation of the optical sensor 22A is performed as follows.

  First, the reset switch 113 is turned on to reset the charge of the optical sensor 22A. After that, by turning off the reset switch 113, electric charge corresponding to the amount of light received by the optical sensor 22A is accumulated in the capacitor 114. Next, when the readout switch 116 is turned on, the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor 114 is supplied to the sensor signal line 125 via the buffer amplifier 115 and output to the outside.

  Next, display light reception control processing by the display system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The display light reception control process by the display system 1 is started, for example, when the user turns on the power of the display system 1.

  In the following, the processing of steps S1 to S8 of the display light reception control process has already been performed up to the t-th frame, and at least information on targets and events before the t-th frame is appropriately stored in the storage unit 33. It is assumed that

  In step S1, the optical sensor 22A of the input / output display 22 receives light from the outside such as light reflected from a portion where the finger is close to or in contact with the display screen 51A at the timing of the frame at time t + 1. Then, a received light signal corresponding to the received light amount is supplied to the received light signal processing unit 23.

  In step S <b> 2, the light reception signal processing unit 23 performs a predetermined process on the light reception signal supplied from the input / output display 22, so that a finger or the like approaches or contacts the input / output display 22. An image having a luminance different from that of the part that is not in proximity or in contact with the image is obtained as an image of the (t + 1) th frame, and is supplied to the image processing unit 24.

  In step S <b> 3, the image processing unit 24 performs image processing such as binarization, noise removal, and labeling on the t + 1-th frame image supplied from the received light signal processing unit 23, thereby For one frame, a part (area) where an object such as a finger approaches or touches the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22 is detected as an input part that has been input from the outside, and point information of the input part is obtained. , Supplied to the generation unit 25.

  In step S <b> 4, the target generation unit 31 of the generation unit 25 performs integration processing on the point information of the input portion of the t + 1 frame supplied from the image processing unit 24, so that the target for the t + 1 frame is processed. Is generated and stored in the storage unit 33. In addition, the event generation unit 32 of the generation unit 25 performs integration processing based on target information, thereby generating a specific event, for example, target generation and deletion (disappearance), for the t + 1th frame. Information on the event to be represented is generated as appropriate and stored in the storage unit 33. Details of the integration processing will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S <b> 5, the event generation unit 32 of the generation unit 25 further performs recognition processing based on the target information, thereby generating event information representing a change in the target state for the t + 1th frame. And stored in the storage unit 33.

  For example, when the user moves his / her finger close to or in contact with the display screen 51A, that is, when the target moves, the event generation unit 32 generates an event “movement” and stores information on the event “movement”. The data is stored in the storage unit 33.

  Further, for example, when the user stops the finger that has been moved in proximity to or in contact with the display screen 51A, that is, when the target is stopped, the event generation unit 32 generates the event “stop” and the event “ The “stop” information is stored in the storage unit 33.

  Further, for example, when the user starts proximity or contact with the display screen 51A, moves the finger while continuing proximity or contact, and releases the proximity or contact of the finger, when proximity or contact is started When the distance between the position of the finger and the position of the finger when the proximity and the contact are finished is equal to or greater than the threshold, that is, when the target moves beyond a predetermined distance and disappears, the event generation unit 32 An event “projection” is generated, and information on the event “projection” is stored in the storage unit 33.

  In addition, for example, the user starts approaching or touching two fingers with respect to the display screen 51A, and expands or narrows the distance between the two fingers while continuing to approach or touch. When the movement and release of the proximity and contact of the two fingers, the magnification of the distance between the two fingers or the distance between the two fingers when the proximity or contact starts When the reduction ratio is equal to or greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, that is, between the time when two targets are generated and until they disappear, the distance enlargement ratio or the reduction ratio between the targets is equal to or greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. In this case, the event generation unit 32 generates an event “enlargement” or “reduction” and causes the storage unit 33 to store information on the event “enlargement” or “reduction”.

  Further, for example, the user starts the proximity or contact of the two fingers to the display screen 51A, and continues the proximity or contact while drawing the two fingers so as to draw a concentric circle around a certain point on the display screen 51A. When the proximity and contact of the two fingers are released by moving, the t + th of the straight lines connecting the positions on the display screen 51A of the two fingers when the proximity or contact is started When the absolute value of the rotation angle at which the straight line connecting the positions of the two fingers of one frame on the display screen 51A rotates is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, that is, until the two targets are generated and disappear. When the absolute value of the rotation angle of the straight line connecting the targets between the two is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the event generation unit 32 generates an event “rotation” and causes the storage unit 33 to store information on the event “rotation” .

  In addition, for example, the user starts the proximity or contact of the three fingers with respect to the display screen 51A, and the three fingers are drawn so as to draw a concentric circle around a certain point on the display screen 51A while continuing the proximity or contact. When the proximity and contact of the three fingers are released by moving, the straight line connecting the positions on the display screen 51A of each of the two fingers of the three fingers when proximity or contact is started On the other hand, the rotation angle at which the straight line connecting the positions on the display screen 51A of the same two fingers of the three fingers of the (t + 1) th frame rotates is set to two of the three fingers. A straight line connecting each target when the absolute value of the rotation angle averaged for each set of fingers is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, that is, until the three targets are generated and disappear. The absolute value of the average rotation angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold Case, the event generation unit 32 generates an event "3-point rotation", and stores the information of the event "3-point rotation" in the storage unit 33.

  In step S <b> 6, the event generation unit 32 of the generation unit 25 reads the target and event information of the (t + 1) th frame from the storage unit 33 and supplies (outputs) the information to the control unit 12.

  In step S <b> 7, the control unit 12 sends image data via the display signal processing unit 21 as necessary based on the target and event information supplied (output) from the generation unit 25 of the input / output panel 16. The display control such as changing the display state of the input / output display 22 is performed by supplying it to the input / output display 22.

  In step S8, the input / output display 22 is in a different display state according to the display control of the control unit 12, for example, in a display state in which the image displayed so far is rotated 90 ° clockwise and displayed. , Display an image.

  Thereafter, the process returns to step S1, and the same process is repeated for the next t + 2 frame.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of software that performs the display light reception control process of FIG.

  Here, the software that performs the display light reception control processing is software that performs light reception signal processing, software that performs point information generation processing, software that performs integration processing, software that performs recognition processing, software that performs output processing, and higher-level applications Including display control software.

  In FIG. 6, the optical sensor 22A of the input / output display 22 receives external light, for example, light reflected by a finger or the like that is close to or in contact with the display screen 51A, and generates a light reception signal of one frame.

  In the received light signal processing hierarchy, the received light signal processing such as amplification and filter processing is performed on the received light signal of one frame supplied from the input / output display 22, for example, so that an image of one frame corresponding to the received light signal is obtained. Is obtained.

  In the point information generation processing layer above the light reception signal processing layer, predetermined image processing, for example, binarization, noise removal, labeling, etc., is performed on the image obtained by the light reception signal processing. As a result, an input portion of the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22 that is a portion where an object is in close proximity or in contact is detected. Then, point information of the input part is generated for each frame.

  In the higher level integration process of the point information generation process, the point information obtained by the point information generation process is subjected to the integration process, and target information for each frame is generated. Furthermore, based on the target information of the frame, information on a specific event, for example, an event indicating generation or deletion (disappearance) of the target is generated.

  In the recognition processing layer above the integration processing, the target state change is performed by performing recognition processing such as a user's finger movement or gesture based on target information generated by the integration processing. The event information to be represented is generated for each frame.

  In the upper level of the output process of the recognition process, target and event information generated by the integration process and event information generated by the recognition process are output for each frame.

  For example, in the display control software layer as an upper application in the upper layer of the output process, the image data is input / output as shown in FIG. 1 as necessary based on the target and event information output in the output process. By being supplied to the input / output display 22 of the panel 16, display control such as changing the display state of the input / output display 22 is performed.

  Next, details of the integration processing by the generation unit 25 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 shows targets existing in the t-th frame at time t.

  Here, in FIG. 8 (the same applies to FIGS. 9 and 10 to be described later), a square is shown inside the rectangle representing the frame for convenience of explanation.

  In FIG. 8, there are three targets # 1, # 2, and # 3 in the t-th frame at time t. A target attribute that is an attribute of the target can be given to the target. The target attribute includes, for example, a target ID (Identifier) (identification number) as identification information for identifying each target. In FIG. 8, for the three targets, # 1, # 2, and # 3 Are assigned as target IDs.

  For example, when the user has three fingers approaching or touching the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22, there are three targets # 1 to # 3 as shown in FIG. .

  FIG. 9 shows an input part before integration processing of the t + 1th frame at time t + 1, which is one frame after the tth frame at time t.

  In FIG. 9, there are four input parts #a to #d in the (t + 1) th frame.

  For example, when the user has four fingers approaching or touching the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22, four input portions #a to #d as shown in FIG. 9 are generated.

  FIG. 10 illustrates a state in which the t-th frame illustrated in FIG. 8 and the t + 1-th frame illustrated in FIG. 9 are overlapped.

  In the integration process, for example, the target of the t-th frame and the input portion of the t + 1-th frame that are in a temporal relationship are compared. When attention is paid to a target having the t-th frame as an attention target, for example, an input portion having a spatially close relationship with the attention target, that is, a distance from the attention target is, for example, a predetermined distance (for example, An input portion within a distance of 2 squares) is integrated into the target of interest as an input portion constituting a part of a series of inputs as the target of interest.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of input portions that are spatially close to the target of interest, for example, the input portion that is closest to the target of interest is the target of the plurality of input portions. Integrated into the target.

  In the integration process, for example, when there is no input portion that is spatially close to the target of interest, the target of interest is deleted as a series of inputs as the target of interest has been completed.

  Further, in the integration process, for example, for an input portion that is not integrated with the target, that is, an input portion that is not spatially close to the target, a new series of inputs is started and a new input is started. A target is generated.

  Therefore, when the integration process is performed on the input portions #a to #d of the t + 1th frame and the targets # 1 to # 3 of the tth frame shown in FIG. Input portions #a and #b exist, but the input portion #b is closer to the input portion #a than the input portion #a, so that the input portion #b is integrated (merged) with the target # 1.

  Also, in FIG. 10, since there is no input part in the vicinity of target # 2, this target # 2 is deleted. Then, an event “deletion” indicating that the target has been deleted is generated.

  Further, in FIG. 10, there are input parts #c and #d in the vicinity of the target # 3. However, since the input part #d is closer than the input part #c, the input part #d , Merged into target # 3.

  Then, the input parts #a and #c remaining without being integrated into any of the targets # 1 to # 3 are generated as new targets, respectively. Then, an event “generation” indicating that the target has been generated is generated.

  In the integration process, the target that remains without being deleted among the targets of the t-th frame, and the target that is newly generated for the input portion that remains without being integrated among the input portions of the t + 1-th frame, Target of the t + 1th frame. Then, the target information of the (t + 1) th frame is generated based on the point information of the input part of the (t + 1) th frame.

  Here, the point information of the input portion is obtained by performing image processing on the received light image that is an image of one frame supplied from the received light signal processing unit 23 to the image processing unit 24.

  FIG. 11 shows a received light image.

  In the received light image of FIG. 11, there are three input portions # 1 to # 3.

  Each input portion on the received light image is, for example, a portion where light reflected from a portion where the finger of the display screen 51A is close or in contact is received, and thus a portion where the finger of the display screen 51A is not close or in contact Compared with, the brightness is high or low. The image processing unit 24 detects a high or low luminance area of the received light image as an input part, and outputs a feature amount of the input part area as point information of the input part.

  As point information, the center of the input part area (eg, the center of the smallest circle surrounding the input part), the center of gravity, and the input part area (in the figure) Area information that is information on the area of the hatched area, area information representing the range of the input part, for example, the coordinates of the upper end of the smallest rectangle surrounding the input part, the coordinates of the lower end, the coordinates of the left end, the coordinates of the right end, etc. Can be adopted.

  A target attribute which is a target attribute of the target information is generated based on point information of an input part integrated with the target. That is, when the input part is integrated with the target, the target ID, which is identification information unique to the target, is maintained, and other target attributes such as the target's representative coordinates, area information, region information, etc. are stored in the target. It is replaced with point information of the input part to be integrated, that is, representative coordinates, area information, area information, etc. of the input part.

  In addition, the target attribute may include information indicating a time when a series of inputs as a target starts, information indicating a time when a series of inputs as a target ends, and the like.

  In addition to the target attribute described above, for example, the number of targets for each frame output from the generation unit 25 to the control unit 12 can be used as the target information.

  Next, the integration process performed by the generation unit 25 of FIG. 1 in step S4 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 21, the target generation unit 31 reads out information on the target of the t-th frame that is the temporal vicinity of the t + 1-th frame from the storage unit 33, and the t + 1-th frame supplied from the image processing unit 24. The point information of the input part is compared with the target information of the t-th frame read from the storage unit 33.

  In step S22, the target generation unit 31 determines whether there is a target that has not yet been set as the target of interest in the t-th frame read in step S21. If it is determined in step S22 that there is a target that has not yet been set as the target of interest in the t-th frame read out in step S21, in step S23, the target generation unit 31 of the targets of the t-th frame still has the target of interest. One of the targets that is not defined is set as the target of interest, and it is determined whether or not the input portion of the t + 1-th frame exists in the spatial vicinity of the target of interest of the t-th frame.

  If it is determined in step S23 that the input portion of the (t + 1) th frame is present in the spatial vicinity of the target of interest in the tth frame, in step S24, the target generation unit 31 determines that the space of the target of interest in step S22. The input portion of the (t + 1) th frame determined to be close to the target is integrated with the target of interest, and the information of the target of interest after integration is stored in the storage unit 33 as the information of the target of the (t + 1) th frame. .

  Specifically, the target generation unit 31 maintains the target ID of the target of interest, and replaces other target attributes such as the representative coordinates of the target of interest with the representative coordinates of the input portion integrated with the target of interest. The information is stored in the storage unit 33 as target information of the (t + 1) th frame.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S23 that the input portion of the (t + 1) th frame does not exist in the spatial vicinity of the target of interest in the tth frame, in step S25, the target generation unit 31 performs information on the target of attention. Is deleted from the storage unit 33.

  In step S <b> 26, when the target generation unit 31 deletes the target of interest, the event generation unit 32 newly issues an event “deletion” indicating that the target has disappeared, that is, a series of inputs as a target has ended. The event information is stored in the storage unit 33 as event information of the (t + 1) th frame. In the example of FIG. 10, when the target # 2 is the target of interest, an event “deletion” indicating that the target # 2 has been deleted in the t + 1th frame is issued, and information on the event “deletion” is stored in the storage unit. 33.

  After the processes in steps S24 and S26, the process returns to step S22, and the same process is executed for the new target of interest.

  If it is determined in step S22 that there is no target that is not yet the target of interest in the t-th frame read out in step S21, the target generation unit 31 supplies the t + 1 th supplied from the image processing unit 24 in step S27. It is determined whether there is an input portion remaining in the frame without being integrated with the target of the t-th frame.

  When it is determined in step S27 that there is an input portion that remains without being integrated in the t + 1-th frame, in step S28, the target generation unit 31 determines a new target for the input portion that is not integrated. Is generated.

  In other words, a new series of inputs was started for the input portion of the t + 1 frame that remained without being integrated with the target of the t frame, that is, the input portion that was not spatially close to the target. As a new target is generated. Then, the target generation unit 31 stores the new target information in the storage unit 33 as the target information of the (t + 1) th frame.

  In step S29, when the target generation unit 31 generates a new target, the event generation unit 32 newly issues an event “generation”, and uses the event information as event information of the (t + 1) th frame as a storage unit. 33. Then, the integration process is terminated, and the process returns to step S5 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that there is no input part remaining in the (t + 1) th frame, the processes in steps S28 and S29 are skipped, and the integration process ends. Then, the process returns to step S5 in FIG.

  In the integration process described above, the target information in which the input portion of the (t + 1) th frame does not exist at a spatially close position among the targets of the tth frame has been described. Among t-frame targets, information on targets whose input part of the (t + 1) th frame does not exist in a spatially close position is continuous for several frames only if the input part is not in a spatially close position. It may be deleted after being held. Thereby, even if the user accidentally releases the proximity and contact of the finger for a moment, if the proximity or contact of the finger is resumed, the input portion corresponding to the finger that is in proximity to or in contact with the display screen 51A, It is possible to integrate the proximity and contact of the finger with the target before being released for a moment.

  As described above, in the integration processing, among the input portions newly input to the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22, the input portions in the temporal and spatial vicinity of the target are a series of targets. Is integrated into its target as an input part that forms part of the input. In the integration process, an event indicating generation or disappearance (deletion) of a target is appropriately issued.

  FIG. 13 illustrates an example of target and event information output from the generation unit 25.

  The upper part of FIG. 13 shows input portions (represented by white circles in the figure) on the received light images of the nth frame at time n to the n + 5th frame at time n + 5. The lower part of FIG. 13 shows target and event information output in each of the nth to n + 5th frames.

  In the upper diagram of FIG. 13, for example, the user starts approaching or touching the display screen 51 </ b> A of the input / output display 22 with one finger at time n, and thereafter, from time n to n + 4 , While continuing to approach or touch the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22, starts moving the position close to or touching the display screen 51A from the left to the right in the (n + 2) th frame, In the (n + 4) th frame, the movement is stopped, and at time n + 5, the input portion # 0 obtained when the proximity and contact with the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22 is released is shown.

  That is, in the nth frame, when the user starts approaching or touching the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22, an input portion # 0 newly appears as shown in the upper diagram of FIG.

  In this case, a new target # 0 is generated for the input part # 0 of the nth frame. That is, in the nth frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 13, the target ID is 0, and target attributes other than the target ID such as position information (representative coordinates) of the input part # 0 of the nth frame (hereinafter, A new target # 0 having target related information INFO) is generated.

  The target entity is a storage area secured in a memory or the like that stores target attributes.

  In the nth frame, an event is generated in response to the generation of a new target # 0. That is, in the nth frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 13, the event ID that is identification information for identifying the event is 0, and the event type Type that indicates the type of the event is Create that indicates the generation of a new target. There is generated a new event # 0 having an event attribute in which the specific information tid for specifying the target representing the state of the event is 0 as the target ID of the target # 0.

  An event whose event type Type is “Create” indicating generation of a new target is an event “generation”.

  As described above, since the event has the specific information tid that specifies the target in which the event represents the state as one of the event attributes, the target in which the event represents the state can be specified by the specific information tid.

  The event entity is a storage area secured in a memory or the like for storing event attributes.

  Next, in the (n + 1) th frame, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 13, the input part # 0 is present without moving.

  In this case, the input portion # 0 of the (n + 1) th frame is integrated with the target # 0 of the nth frame one frame before. As a result, in the (n + 1) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 13, the target # 0 is the nth when the target related information INFO is updated with the position information of the input portion of the (n + 1) th frame. The target # 0 of the frame, that is, the target having the target ID of 0, has the position information of the input portion # 0 of the (n + 1) th frame as the target related information INFO.

  In the (n + 2) th frame, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 13, the input portion # 0 starts moving.

  In this case, the input part # 0 of the (n + 2) th frame is integrated with the target # 0 of the (n + 1) th frame one frame before. As a result, in the (n + 2) th frame, the target # 0 has the target related information INFO updated with the position information of the input part # 0 in the (n + 2) th frame as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. The target of the (n + 1) th frame, that is, the target having the target ID of 0 and the position information of the input portion # 0 of the (n + 2) th frame as the target related information INFO.

  Further, in the (n + 2) th frame, an event is generated in response to the start of the movement of the input part # 0 integrated with the target # 0, and thus the start of the movement of the target # 0. . That is, in the (n + 2) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 13, the event ID, which is identification information for identifying the event, is 1 which is different from the event ID of the event generated in the nth frame. A new event # 1 having an event attribute whose type Type is MoveStart indicating movement of the target and whose specific information tid is 0 of the target ID of the target # 0 that started the movement is generated.

  Next, in the (n + 3) th frame, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 13, the input part # 0 is moving.

  In this case, the input portion # 0 of the (n + 3) th frame is integrated with the target # 0 of the (n + 2) th frame one frame before. As a result, in the (n + 3) th frame, the target # 0 has the target related information INFO updated with the position information of the input part # 0 in the (n + 3) th frame as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. The target of the (n + 3) th frame, that is, the target having the target ID of 0 and having the position information of the input portion # 0 of the (n + 3) th frame as the target related information INFO.

  In the (n + 4) th frame, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 13, the input part # 0 is stopped.

  In this case, the input portion # 0 of the (n + 4) th frame is integrated with the target # 0 of the (n + 3) th frame one frame before. As a result, in the (n + 4) th frame, the target # 0 has the target related information INFO updated with the position information of the input part # 0 in the (n + 4) th frame as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. The target of the (n + 3) th frame, that is, the target having the target ID of 0 and the position information of the input portion # 0 of the (n + 4) th frame as the target related information INFO.

  Furthermore, in the (n + 4) th frame, an event is generated in response to the end of the movement of the input part # 0 integrated with the target # 0, and thus the end of the movement of the target # 0. . That is, in the (n + 4) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 13, the event ID that is the identification information for identifying the event is any event generated in the (n + 2) th frame or the (n + 2) th frame. A new event # 2 is generated that has an event attribute whose event type is MoveStop indicating target stop and whose specific information tid is 0 of the target ID of target # 0 that has finished moving. The

  In the (n + 5) th frame, when the user releases the proximity and contact of the finger to the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22, the input portion # 0 disappears as shown in the upper diagram of FIG.

  In this case, target # 0 is deleted in the (n + 5) th frame.

  Further, in the (n + 5) th frame, an event is generated in response to the disappearance of the input part # 0, and thus the deletion of the target # 0. That is, in the (n + 5) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 9, an event ID that is identification information for identifying an event is generated in the (n) th frame, the (n + 2) th frame, or the (n + 4) th frame. A new event having an event attribute whose event ID is 3 that is different from any event ID of the deleted event, the event type Type is Delete indicating the deletion of the target, and the specific information tid is 0 of the target ID of the deleted target # 0 Event # 3 is generated.

  An event whose event type Type is “Delete” indicating deletion of a target is an event “deletion”.

  FIG. 14 illustrates another example of target and event information output from the generation unit 25.

  The upper part of FIG. 14 shows input portions (represented by white circles in the figure) on the received light images of the nth frame at time n to the n + 5th frame at time n + 5. The lower part of FIG. 14 shows target and event information output in each of the nth to n + 5th frames.

  In FIG. 14, for example, the user starts approaching or touching the display screen 51 </ b> A of the input / output display 22 with a certain finger at time n, and thereafter performs input / output from time n to n + 4. While continuing to approach or contact the display screen 51A of the display 22, in the (n + 2) th frame, it starts to move from the left to the right in the position approaching or contacting the display screen 51A, and the n + th The input portion obtained when the movement is stopped and the proximity and contact of the input / output display 22 to the display screen 51A is released at time n + 5 in four frames is shown.

  FIG. 14 also shows that the user starts approaching or touching the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22 with another finger at time n + 1, and thereafter from time n + 1 to n + 3. During the period, while the input / output display 22 keeps approaching or touching the display screen 51A, it starts moving from the right to the left in the position of approaching or touching the display screen 51A in the (n + 2) th frame. In the (n + 3) th frame, the input is obtained when the movement is stopped and the proximity and contact of the input / output display 22 to the display screen 51A is released at time n + 4.

  That is, in the nth frame, when the user starts approaching or touching the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22 with a certain finger, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. Has newly appeared.

  In this case, a new target # 0 is generated for the input portion # 0 of the nth frame, as in the case of FIG. That is, in the nth frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the target ID is 0, and the target related information INFO has the target attribute that is the position information of the input portion # 0 of the nth frame. A new target # 0 is generated.

  Further, in the nth frame, in response to the generation of a new target # 0, an event is generated as in the case of FIG. That is, in the nth frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the event ID is 0, the event type Type is “Create” indicating generation of a new target, and the specific information tid is the target ID of the target ID of the target # 0. A new event # 0 having an event attribute that is 0 is generated.

  Next, in the (n + 1) th frame, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 14, the input portion # 0 is present without moving.

  In this case, the input portion # 0 of the (n + 1) th frame is integrated with the target # 0 of the nth frame one frame before. As a result, in the (n + 1) th frame, the target # 0 has the target related information INFO updated with the position information of the input part # 0 in the (n + 1) th frame as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. The target # 0 of the nth frame, that is, the target having the target ID of 0, has the position information of the input part # 0 of the (n + 1) th frame as the target related information INFO.

  Further, in the (n + 1) th frame, when the user starts approaching or touching the display screen 51A of the input / output display 22 with another finger, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. The new input part # 1 has appeared.

  In this case, a new target # 1 is generated for the new input part # 1 of the (n + 1) th frame. That is, in the (n + 1) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the target ID is 1 which is different from the target ID 0 of the existing target # 0, and the target related information INFO is the n + th frame. A new target # 1 having a target attribute which is position information of a new input part # 1 of one frame is generated.

  Further, in the (n + 1) th frame, an event is generated in response to the generation of a new target # 0. That is, in the (n + 1) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the event ID is 1 which is different from 0 of the event ID of the event generated in the nth frame, and the event type Type is a new target. A new event # 1 having an event attribute whose specific information tid is 1 of the target ID of the target # 1 is generated.

  In the (n + 2) th frame, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 14, the input parts # 0 and # 1 start moving.

  In this case, the input part # 0 of the (n + 2) th frame is integrated with the target # 0 of the (n + 1) th frame one frame before. As a result, in the (n + 2) th frame, the target # 0 has the target related information INFO updated with the position information of the input part # 0 in the (n + 2) th frame as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. The target of the (n + 1) th frame, that is, the target having the target ID of 0 and the position information of the input portion # 0 of the (n + 2) th frame as the target related information INFO.

  Similarly, the input part # 1 of the (n + 2) th frame is integrated with the target # 1 of the (n + 1) th frame. As a result, in the (n + 2) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the target # 1 has the target related information INFO updated with the position information of the input part # 1 in the (n + 2) th frame. The target of the (n + 1) th frame, that is, the target having the target ID of 1 and the position information of the input part # 1 of the (n + 2) th frame as the target related information INFO.

  Also, in the (n + 2) th frame, an event is generated in response to the start of the movement of the input part # 0 integrated with the target # 0, and thus the start of the movement of the target # 0. . That is, in the (n + 2) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the event ID, which is identification information for identifying the event, is different from the events # 0 and # 1 generated so far. Thus, a new event # 2 having an event attribute whose event type Type is MoveStart indicating movement of the target and whose specific information tid is 0 of the target ID of the target # 0 that has started moving is generated.

  Similarly, in the (n + 2) th frame, an event is generated in response to the start of the movement of the input part # 1 integrated with the target # 1, and thus the start of the movement of the target # 1. The That is, in the (n + 2) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the event ID that is the identification information for identifying the event is different from the event IDs of the events # 0 to # 2 generated so far. 3, a new event # 3 having an event attribute whose event type Type is MoveStart indicating movement of the target and whose specific information tid is 1 of the target ID of the target # 1 that started the movement is generated.

  Next, in the (n + 3) th frame, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 14, the input part # 0 is moving.

  In this case, the input portion # 0 of the (n + 3) th frame is integrated with the target # 0 of the (n + 2) th frame one frame before. As a result, in the (n + 3) th frame, the target # 0 has the target related information INFO updated with the position information of the input part # 0 in the (n + 3) th frame as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. The target of the (n + 3) th frame, that is, the target having the target ID of 0 and having the position information of the input portion # 0 of the (n + 3) th frame as the target related information INFO.

  In addition, in the (n + 3) th frame, the input part # 1 is stopped.

  In this case, the input portion # 1 of the (n + 3) th frame is integrated with the target # 1 of the (n + 2) th frame one frame before. As a result, in the (n + 3) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the target related information INFO is updated with the position information of the input portion # 1 in the (n + 3) th frame. The target of the (n + 3) th frame, that is, the target having the target ID of 1 and the position information of the input portion # 1 of the (n + 3) th frame as the target related information INFO.

  Furthermore, in the (n + 3) th frame, an event is generated in response to the end of the movement of the input part # 1 integrated with the target # 1, and thus the end of the movement of the target # 1. . That is, in the (n + 3) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the event ID that is identification information for identifying the event is different from the event IDs of the events # 0 to # 3 generated so far. 4 is generated, and the event type Type is MoveStop indicating the target stop, and a new event # 4 having an event attribute whose specific information tid is 1 of the target ID of the target # 1 that has finished moving is generated. The

  Next, in the (n + 4) th frame, when the user releases the proximity and contact of the finger, the input portion # 1 disappears as shown in the upper diagram of FIG.

  In this case, target # 1 is deleted in the (n + 4) th frame.

  In the (n + 4) th frame, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 14, the input part # 0 is stopped.

  In this case, the input portion # 0 of the (n + 4) th frame is integrated with the target # 0 of the (n + 3) th frame one frame before. As a result, in the (n + 4) th frame, the target # 0 has the target related information INFO updated with the position information of the input part # 0 in the (n + 4) th frame as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. The target of the (n + 4) th frame, that is, the target having the target ID of 0 and the position information of the input portion # 0 of the (n + 4) th frame as the target related information INFO.

  Further, in the (n + 4) th frame, an event is generated in response to the end of the movement of the input part # 0 integrated with the target # 0, and thus the end of the movement of the target # 0. . That is, in the (n + 4) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the event ID, which is identification information for identifying the event, is different from the events # 0 to # 4 generated so far. Thus, a new event # 5 having an event attribute in which the event type Type is MoveStop indicating the target stop and the specific information tid is 0 of the target ID of the target # 0 that has finished moving is generated.

  Similarly, in the (n + 4) th frame, an event is generated in response to the disappearance of the input part # 1 and thus the deletion of the target # 1. That is, in the (n + 4) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the event ID that is identification information for identifying the event is different from the event IDs of the events # 0 to # 5 generated so far. 6, a new event # 6 having an event attribute whose event type Type is “Delete” indicating deletion of a target and whose specific information tid is 1 of the target ID of the deleted target # 1 is generated.

  In the (n + 5) th frame, when the user releases the proximity and contact of the input / output display 22 to the display screen 51A, the input portion # 0 disappears as shown in the upper diagram of FIG.

  In this case, target # 0 is deleted in the (n + 5) th frame.

  Further, in the (n + 5) th frame, an event is generated in response to the disappearance of the input part # 0, and thus the deletion of the target # 0. That is, in the (n + 5) th frame, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 14, the event ID that is identification information for identifying the event is different from the event IDs of the events # 0 to # 6 generated so far. In step 7, a new event # 7 having an event attribute whose event type Type is “Delete” indicating deletion of the target and whose specific information tid is “0” of the target ID of the deleted target # 0 is generated.

  As described above, in the input / output panel 16, even when there are inputs to a plurality of points, the target information representing a series of inputs is obtained based on the temporal or spatial positional relationship of the input portion that has been input from the outside. In addition, since event information representing a change in the state of the target is generated and output, it is possible to easily handle information on inputs to a plurality of points.

  Here, another example of the protective member of the input / output display will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17.

  FIG. 15 shows an input / output display 201 using a protection member 211 instead of the protection member 52 of FIG. Unlike the protection member 52, the protection member 211 is made of a colored translucent material.

  Thus, the appearance of the input / output panel 16 in design is improved by making the protection member 211 colored.

  Moreover, since the protection member 211 is made of a semi-transparent material, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility and light receiving sensitivity. For example, when the optical sensor 22A has excellent light receiving sensitivity with respect to light having a wavelength of 460 nm or less (blue or light having a color close to blue), in other words, there is a characteristic that it is easy to pick up light having a wavelength of 460 nm or less. In this case, by making the color of the protective member 211 semi-transparent blue, the light receiving sensitivity of the optical sensor 22A can be maintained better than other colors.

  FIG. 16 shows an input / output display 221 using a protection member 231 instead of the protection member 52 of FIG.

  The protective member 231 is processed with concave or convex guides 231A to 231E on the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the main body 51. The guides 231A to 231E have, for example, shapes corresponding to operation units (UI (user interface) parts) such as buttons and switches on an image displayed on the input / output display 22. When the protective member 231 is attached to the main body 51, the operation unit corresponding to the position just below the guides 231A to 231E is displayed on the display screen 51A. Accordingly, the user can know the type and position of the operation unit (UI component) on the display screen 51A with his / her hand. For example, the user can operate without viewing the display screen 51A. Improved operability.

  FIG. 17 shows an input / output display 251 using a protection member 261 instead of the protection member 52 of FIG.

  The protective member 261 is made of a colored translucent material while processing the guides 261A to 261E similar to the protective member 231 is performed on the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the main body 51. Thereby, the operability of the display system 1 can be improved and the design appearance of the input / output panel 16 can be improved.

  In addition, it is also possible to improve the appearance of the input / output panel 16 in design or to display various information by processing a predetermined pattern or characters on the surface of the protective member into a concave or convex shape. .

  Further, by adopting a configuration in which the protective member can be easily attached to and detached from the main body 51, for example, according to the type of application used in the display system 1, that is, the operation unit on the image displayed on the display screen 51A. The user's operability can be further improved by replacing the protective member according to the difference in type, shape, position, and the like.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of another embodiment of a display system to which the present invention is applied.

  In the display system 301 of FIG. 18, the generation unit 25 of the input / output panel 16 is moved to the control unit 12 of FIG.

  18, the antenna 310, the signal processing unit 311, the storage unit 313, the operation unit 314, the communication unit 315, the display signal processing unit 321, the input / output display 322, the optical sensor 322A, the received light signal processing unit 323, and the image processing unit. 324 and the generation unit 325 are the antenna 10, the signal processing unit 11, the storage unit 13, the operation unit 14, the communication unit 15, the display signal processing unit 21, the input / output display 22, the optical sensor 22A, and the received light signal processing unit in FIG. 23, the image processing unit 24 and the generation unit 25 are configured in the same manner, and the display system 301 can perform the display light reception control process in the same manner as the display system 1 in FIG. However, in FIG. 18, the storage unit 313 is used as the storage unit 33 of the generation unit 25 in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of another embodiment of a display system to which the present invention is applied.

  In the display system 401 in FIG. 19, the generation unit 25 and the image processing unit 24 of the input / output panel 16 are moved to the control unit 12 in FIG. 1.

  That is, in FIG. 19, an antenna 410, a signal processing unit 411, a storage unit 413, an operation unit 414, a communication unit 415, a display signal processing unit 421, an input / output display 422, an optical sensor 422A, a received light signal processing unit 423, an image processing unit. 424 and the generation unit 425 are the antenna 10, the signal processing unit 11, the storage unit 13, the operation unit 14, the communication unit 15, the display signal processing unit 21, the input / output display 22, the optical sensor 22A, and the received light signal processing unit in FIG. 23, the image processing unit 24, and the generation unit 25, the display system 401 can perform the display light reception control process similarly to the display system 1 in FIG.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of an external configuration of an input / output panel 601 to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 20, the input / output panel 601 has a flat module shape. In the input / output panel 601, for example, a pixel array unit 613 in which pixels formed of a liquid crystal element, a thin film transistor, a thin film capacitor, a light receiving element, and the like are integrated and formed in a matrix on an insulating substrate 611 is provided. Further, an adhesive is disposed so as to surround the pixel array portion 613, and a counter substrate 612 such as glass is attached. Further, the input / output panel 601 is provided with connectors 614A and 614B for inputting / outputting signals to / from the pixel array unit 613 from the outside. The connectors 614A and 614B are configured by, for example, an FPC (flexible printed circuit).

  The input / output panel according to the present invention described above has a flat panel shape, for example, and is input to an electronic device such as a digital camera, a notebook personal computer, a mobile phone, a video camera, or the like. It is possible to apply to the display of the electronic device of all the fields which display the video signal produced | generated by 1 as an image or an image | video. Examples of electronic devices to which such an input / output panel is applied are shown below.

  FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of a television receiver to which the present invention is applied. The television receiver 621 in FIG. 21 includes a video display unit 631 including a front panel 631A, a filter glass 631B, and the like. For example, the input / output panel of the present invention is applied to the video display unit 631.

  FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied. The upper view is a front view and the lower view is a rear view. A digital camera 641 in FIG. 22 includes an imaging lens, a flash light emitting unit 651, a display unit 652, a control switch, a menu switch, a shutter 653, and the like. For example, the input / output panel of the present invention is applied to the display unit 652. .

  FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of a notebook personal computer to which the present invention is applied. The main body 661A of the personal computer 661 in FIG. 23 includes a keyboard 671 operated when inputting characters and the like, and the main body cover 661B includes a display 672 for displaying an image. For example, the input / output panel of the present invention is applied to the display portion 672.

  FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of a mobile terminal device to which the present invention is applied. The left diagram shows a state in which the mobile terminal device is opened, and the right diagram shows a state in which the mobile terminal device is closed. Represents. A mobile terminal device 681 in FIG. 24 includes an upper housing 681A and a lower housing 681B that are connected by a hinge portion 681, and includes a display 691, a sub display 692, a picture light 693, a camera 694, and the like. For example, the input / output panel of the present invention is applied to the display 691 and the sub display 692.

  FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of a video camera to which the present invention is applied. A video camera 701 in FIG. 25 includes a main body 711, a lens 712 for shooting an object on the side facing forward, a start / stop switch 713 at the time of shooting, a monitor 714, and the like. Panel is applied.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or can be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a program recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program stored in the program recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series in the described order, but is not necessarily performed in time series. Or the process performed separately is also included.

  Further, in this specification, the system represents the entire apparatus constituted by a plurality of apparatuses.

  The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the display system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows typically the example of a structure of the external appearance of an input / output display. It is a figure which shows typically the example of the hierarchical structure of the main-body part of an input / output display. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the driver which controls operation | movement of an input / output display. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the circuit per pixel of the pixel of an input-output display. It is a flowchart explaining the display light reception control processing by a display system. It is a figure explaining the structure of the software which performs a display light reception control process. It is a figure showing the target which exists in the t-th frame of the time t. It is a figure showing the input part before the integration process of the t + 1 frame. It is a figure showing the state which overlap | superposed the t frame and the t + 1 frame. It is a figure which shows a light reception image. It is a flowchart explaining the integration process of step S4 of FIG. It is a figure showing the example of the information of the target output from a production | generation part, and an event. It is a figure showing the other example of the target and event information output from a production | generation part. It is a figure which shows typically the other example of a structure of the external appearance of an input / output display. It is a figure which shows typically the other example of the structure of the external appearance of an input / output display. It is a figure which shows typically the other example of the structure of the external appearance of an input / output display. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of other one Embodiment of the display system to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of other one Embodiment of the display system to which this invention is applied. It is a top view which shows the module structure of the input-output panel concerning this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the television set provided with the input-output panel concerning this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the digital camera provided with the input-output panel concerning this invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a notebook personal computer including an input / output panel according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the portable terminal device provided with the input-output panel concerning this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the video camera provided with the input-output panel concerning this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display system, 16 Input / output panel, 22 Input / output display, 22A Optical sensor, 51 Main part, 51A Display screen, 52 Protection member, 61 TFT substrate, 62 Counter electrode substrate, 63 Liquid crystal layer, 64 Electrode layer, 65 Counter electrode , 66 color filter, 67, 68 polarizing plate, 69 backlight, 111 switching element, 112 pixel electrode, 113 reset switch, 114 capacitor, 115 buffer amplifier, 116 switch, 201 input / output display, 211 protection member, 221 input / output display , 231 protection member, 231A to 231E guide, 251 input / output display, 261 protection member, 261A to 261E guide, 301 display system, 316 input / output panel, 3 22 input / output display, 322A optical sensor, 401 display system, 416 input / output panel, 422 input / output display, 422A optical sensor, 601 input / output panel, 621 television receiver, 631 video display unit, 641 digital camera, 652 display unit , 661 personal computer, 672 display unit, 681 portable terminal device, 691 display, 692 sub-display, 701 video camera, 714 monitor

Claims (4)

  An input / output unit for detecting light corresponding to display of an image and input from the outside, and a display device capable of inputting to a plurality of points on the display screen of the input / output unit, wherein the display screen A display device covered with a transparent or translucent sheet-like protective member. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the protection member is processed to have a predetermined concave or convex shape. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the surface of the protection member is processed to have a concave or convex shape corresponding to an operation unit displayed on the display screen. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the protection member is colored.

Images